Instructor:

Prerequisites:

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of the climate system, with emphasis on the interactions among its components; radiation, energy and water balances; climate sensitivity and feedbacks; natural and anthropogenic climate change; climate models. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the basic principles and processes governing the Earth’s climate. It emphasizes the notion of climate as a “system”, i.e. an entity regulated by the physical and biogeochemical interactions between its components – the atmosphere, ocean and land surface. Topics examined in the course include: • The “system’s approach” to climate • Global energy balance, greenhouse effect • Atmospheric circulation, hydrologic cycle • Climate variability • Ocean circulation and climate • Land surface and climate • Carbon cycle • Climate feedbacks • History and evolution of Earth’s climate • Global warming

The course is organized around one 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour laboratory session per week.

There will be NO laboratory sessions in the first week of classes.

This course may NOT be applied towards a certificate in liberal arts.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing the course students will be able to demonstrate: • Understanding of key processes in the atmosphere, ocean and land surface that govern Earth’s climate • Quantitative problem solving skills • Proficiency in the quantitative analysis of the dynamics of the climate system using simple models

REQUIRED READING:

The textbook does not cover all topics discussed in the course, and will be supplemented with additional materials (book chapters, notes, websites etc.).

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html